me light woolen material).

As I have always told you, blue is the most becoming color that
you can wear.

Such orders cannot be executed without some delay; but the
articles shall be sent as speedily as possible.

For other garments that you may perhaps require I telegraphed to
Bergen immediately upon my arrival here; such things can be
obtained there ready-made. You will most likely receive them by
the same mail which brings you this letter.

As you see (and shall further continue to see), there are sundry
jokes connected with this getting married. For instance, I made
my will to-day, and in it designated you as my heiress.

With most respectful greetings to the priest and his honored
family, I now subscribe myself
Your most obedient jester,
SKARLIE.

Magnhild had taken refuge in the garret, with both the letter and the
large package. She had plunged forthwith into the letter, and emerging
from its perusal perplexed and frightened, she tore open the package and
found many full suits of everything pertaining to feminine under
garments. She scattered them all around her, blushing crimson, angry,
ashamed. Then she sat down and wept aloud.

Now she had courage to speak! She sprang down-stairs to the priest's
wife, and throwing her arms about her neck, whispered, "Forgive me!"
thrust the letter into her hand, and disappeared.

The priest's wife did not understand Magnhild's "Forgive me!" but she
saw that the young girl was crying and in great excitement. She took the
letter and read it. It was peculiar in form, she thought; yet its
meaning was plain enough: it indicated a sensible, elderly man's prudent
forethought, and deserved credit. An old housewife and mother could not
be otherwise than pleased with this, and she carried the letter to the
priest. It impressed him in the same way; and he began to think the girl
might be happy with this singular man. The mistress of the house
searched everywhere for Magnhild, in order to tell her that both the
priest and herself were of the opinion that Skarlie's conduct promised
well. She learned that Magnhild was in the garret, and so throwing a
shawl round her (for it was cold) she went up-stairs. She met the
governess on the way and took her with her. Magnhild was not visible;
they saw only the articles of clothing strewn over